MEDIA ADVISORY
March 20, 2014
Contact: karim.olaechea@seiu521.org
Media Line: 267-971-9716
Free “Last Chance” Community Health Fair #GetCoveredNow
March 29 San Jose Community Health Fair gives procrastinators opportunity to enroll on-site for insurance
SAN JOSE, CA – March 31 is the last day to sign up for health coverage under the Affordable Care Act or face fines. More than one million Californians have successfully enrolled into health plans through Covered California. Service Employees International Union, Local 521 and its partners plan to boost that number at the March 29 Community Health Fair where attendees can enroll on-site for insurance.
While California continues to lead the nation in signing people up for low-cost or no-cost health insurance through the Affordable Care Act, there are still many uninsured yet to enroll. Efforts to enroll eligible individuals statewide and in the Latino population continue.
In order to continue to reach California’s most under-insured populations, SEIU Local 521 has partnered with a number of local, community-based organizations in San Jose to host the fair.
WHAT: FREE San Jose Community Health Fair
WHEN: Saturday, March 29, from 11:00am – 3:00pm
WHERE: Berryessa Community Center, Multi-Purpose Room, 3050 Berryessa Road, San Jose
Attendees will receive education about high quality, low cost plans available through Covered California, and private counseling for enrollment into Covered California, Medi-Cal and CalFresh. Free health services will be available, including: blood pressure checks, dental screenings, as well as nutrition, breast health, pediatric and mental health education. In addition, representatives from the United Way will help set up appointments for free tax preparation services. Complimentary food and refreshments will also be served.
SEIU Local 521 is a proud participant of Covered California’s Outreach and Education Grant Program. Certified Educators from Local 521 have already reached nearly 125,000 people who are likely eligible for financial assistance through Covered California.
“We worked hard to win health care reform and to bring the promise of affordable, quality care to all,” said Luisa Blue, Chief Elected Officer of SEIU Local 521. “We are proud to put our community first and ensure all families in San Jose have equal opportunity to thrive.”
To date, the following organizations have confirmed participation in the fair: Covered California; Community First, SEIU Local 521; Santa Clara County Social Services Agency; The County of Santa Clara; Santa Clara Family Health Plan; Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits; Santa Clara County Supervisor Dave Cortese; Santa Clara Valley Health & Hospital System; Asian Americans for Community Involvement; National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; United Way of Silicon Valley; City of San Jose Councilmember Kansen Chu; Santa Clara Valley Medical Center; Community Health Partnership; Sourcewise Community Resource Solutions; Second Harvest Food Bank; Santa Clara County Department of Mental Health; Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County; Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen; and North East Medical Services.
More information about the event can be found at www.seiu521.org
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Service Employees International Union, Local 521 represents 57,000 public- and nonprofit, private-sector workers in the central Bay Area region and in the Central Valley. Under a Community First vision, we are committed to making sure the needs of our community, and the vital services we provide our community, come first. We believe our communities thrive when residents, leaders and workers recognize that we are all in this together when it comes to our safety, health, and well-being.
